Vintage Wedding Dresses - Wedding Dress Shopping

Often, the phrase 'shopping vintage' can cross wires with saving money. If this was your mindset, you're mistaken. While you may stumble upon a steal, vintage (especially bridal) typically comes with a loftier price tag—and for good reason.

Kaizer educates her brides that "great vintage—whether it’s a designer label or not—will hold, if not appreciate in value." She notes "investing $1k+ in a high-quality vintage piece means you will always be able to resell that piece for the same if not a higher price in the not-so-distant-future." Quality is the most important marker for vintage bridal; sourcing white or ivory pieces in good or great condition is much more challenging than finding a darker dress in a heavier fabric that hides signs of wear and tear more readily than sheer chiffon or lightweight silk.

That being said, you may ask: How can I decipher “luxe” vintage against your average thrift store find? Look at the details. Get a sense for the fabric. Kaizer says, "If it’s a natural fiber, like a cotton, linen, or silk, or it has striking beading or detailed handiwork, then you’re on the right track." Look inside the garment. "If the piece has boning, a built-in waist belt, or other hand-stitched interior details than you should consider it a go." These kind of treasures, "often custom in their day, will always hold value. They are worth the investment. They will fall well on the body as their cut and silhouette have been painstakingly considered," Kaizer explains. "Look at buying luxe vintage the same as buying antique fine jewelry; your children and grandchildren will thank you."

Pictured from left: '80s custom, '50s Elizabeth Arden, '60s custom

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